Scorpio maurus
- Today's subject is Scorpio maurus Linnaeus, 1758. The generic
name, Scorpio, was the first for the entire order and obviously
means "scorpion." The specific name, maurus, is from
the Greek root maur- meaning "dark" or "obscure."
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Vital Stats:
- SIZE: < 80 mm
- ECOMORPHOTYPE: Fossorial
- VENOM TOXICITY: Low
- DEFENSE: Strikes defensive posture with outstretched pedipalps. Rarely
stings, but snaps rapidly with pincers.
- FOOD: Small arthropods.
Systematics:
- This scorpion is in the family Scorpionidae. Scorpio contains
only one species. However, there are between 15 and 20 recognized subspecies
of Scorpio maurus. These subspecies are generally based on differences
in color and are not easy (sometimes impossible) to distinguish. I think
that some of the subspecies represent true species, e.g., S. maurus
fuscus and S. maurus palmatus, but without an a detailed
revision it is impossible to tell for sure. At one time, all known scorpions
were placed in the genus Scorpio. As scholars began to study scorpions
more closely, they transferred all but one species out of Scorpio and
into other genera.
Original Description: Linnaeus, C. 1758.
- Systema Naturae. 10th Edition. Stockholm. Scorpio maurus is
essentially the first scorpion described by modern science.
Distribution:
- Scorpio maurus is common throughout Saharan Africa, from Senegal
to Ethiopia, and in the Middle East, from Yemen to southern Turkey.
Fun Facts:
- Scorpio maurus is found in desert climates from north Africa
to the Middle East. It escapes the harshenss of the desert by digging a
burrow 40-70 cm deep. Scorpions that require burrows for survival, like S.
maurus, are called obligate burrowers. The burrows of this species
are often found in dense aggregations or "colonies." Each scorpion
in the colony digs and maintains its own burrow. Males of this genus have
the peculiar habit of producing sounds by rapidly striking the posterior
half of their metasoma against the ground. Scorpio maurus, like
its relative, Pandinus imperator, does not sting readily, preferring
to use its relatively powerful pincers for defense. The sting of S.
maurus is considered to be mildly painful and not dangerous to humans.
I have had little success rearing this species. The burrow seems to be
critical for their survival, but it is a difficult thing to provide or
simulate. Most fanciers won't be able to provide them with enough sandy
soil to permit burrowing, and even if they could, unless they carefully
regulate the temperature and moisture content, I'm not really sure that
it would help. The drawback, of course is that the scorpion will not be
visible for many days at a time. People normally try to reproduce the surface
of the desert from which these scorpions are collected, but we must remember
that the scorpions attempt to get away from that environment by burrowing.
It makes more sense, then, to simulate the environment of the burrow. It
is important to keep the humidity high without allowing the scorpion or
substrate to become damp. Use a dish of water to achieve this effect. A
narrow, cozy retreat, similar in dimensions
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- Disclaimer: The views expressed here are mine alone and do not
represent the views of the Department of the Army or the Smithsonian
Institution... or any one else for that matter. - Dr. Scott A. Stockwell
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